Gwendolyn hummed an answer. Herald had followed them and asked, “Tea? Sherry?”
“Definitely sherry,” Gwendolyn said. She went into the room and sat in a rocker chair. She closed her eyes. Her knee had brushed Mr. Steele’s thighrepeatedly during their journey. Except for the almost kiss in Dublin, she had never been so close to him. His shaving soap had a hint of spice. The scent of it would be what she dreamed about.
“Just to be certain I understand,” Dara said, interrupting Gwendolyn’s thoughts, “youhave been invited to the Colemore house party?” She was perched on the settee adjacent to the rocker.
“Yes. Lady Orpington will pick me up on Wednesday.”
“I don’t mean to sound as if I’m doubting you are worthy. You know that. But why? Out of the goodness of her heart?”
“She wants me to be her whist partner.” Gwendolyn told her sister of her ladyship’s desire to best Lady Middlebury while Herald brought in sherry and poured a glass for each. He withdrew from the room. Great-Aunt Tweedie had gotten the sisters in the habit of an afternoon sherry now that, because of Michael, they had the money to enjoy it.
“She could not have found a better partner,” Dara said. “How did she know of you?”
“Mr. Steele.”
Dara scowled as if this was what she feared. “Mr. Steele?”
“Yes, the invitation to the house party is the one he told me to expect.”
Dara sat still a moment. “I thought,” she said carefully, “that Lady Orpington’s invitation was the one to which he referred?”
“It was,” Gwendolyn answered breezily. “But then she invited me to Colemore as her partner.”
There was another heavy silence. Then—“And he wasnotat Lady Orpington’s?”
Gwendolyn did not hesitate this time in saying, “He was not.”
Her sister studied her. Gwendolyn ignored the accusing stare by focusing on her glass of sherry. She might need a second one if Dara kept this up.
Dara broke the silence. “So, what is this Mr. Curran like? Do you think he has possibilities? If so, I can see what I can learn about him.” Dara was very good at research. She devoured the social columns for tidbits on the illustrious people. That was how she knew every detail of Viscount Morley’s prospects.
“None whatsoever,” Gwendolyn replied, because it was the best answer. She set her empty sherry glass on a side table and stood. “I believe I shall go read.” It seemed the only sensible thing to do after such a frustrating conversation with Mr. Steele.
“Read? Oh, no, we have work to do. We must plot out what you shall be wearing. For one, you will need a habit,” Dara said, proving to Gwendolyn that there were times when her younger sister did know best. “You have been saying you wish you could ride. I imagine the Colemore stables have excellent horseflesh, and you will want to look your best. Have you heard of Lord Ellisfield?”
“I have not.”
“He is the Middlebury heir and, I believe, around five and thirty.”
“Have we met him around London?”
“He doesn’t attend balls or take part in the Season,” Dara said. “However, he is one of the most eligible bachelors in the kingdom. They say he is very handsome. I have never met him, but when so many gossips make that claim, it is probably true.”
“Dara—”
“I know. You are not interested. But there may be someone at Colemore who will spark your interest, and you will wish to look your best.”
Gwendolyn thought of Mr. Steele, and she smiled. “Where do you suggest we start?”
“You need a new day dress and, of course, several for country dinners. Of course, a new shawl or two can liven a dress.” Dara reached for their small collection ofThe Lady’s Magazinestacked on a side table.It had fashion plates of the latest styles. The sisters used them as a pattern for their dresses in spite of them being a year or two out of date. However, they lived in London. They noted what was all the rage and gave it a bit of their own individual flair. For example, Gwendolyn preferred white and light pastel colors. She kept her designs simple, and it worked for her.
A few hours later, Tweedie found them with their heads together, sketching out a riding habit with gold-covered buttons and braiding that would have made any officer envious.
In two days’ time, Michael returned home from his trip to Ireland to see that the riding habit was almost finished.
He was impressed with the news that Gwendolyn would be off to Colemore. “If you have the chance,” he said, “encourage Lord Middleburyto see to his duties in the Lords. His presence is much missed. Occasionally he sends Ellisfield, but not often enough.”
Dara lit up at the mention of Lord Ellisfield. “Making Michael’s request will give you the opportunity to catch Lord Ellisfield’s attention. He’ll definitely notice you then.”
